tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48565462881012192382024-02-21T04:53:04.112+00:00Going To Fail: 500 MilesMy partner has just turned 49. She's a keen runner and now she's going to have to get keener. She intends to run 500 miles in 50 plus races in her 50th year and hopefully collect 50 t-shirts along the way. I thought I'd chart her progress.FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-63386907492930883452012-05-05T00:00:00.000+01:002012-05-10T15:01:12.312+01:00Helsinki City RunSo the final race on the 500 mile challenge, the Helsinki City Run half marathon.<br />
<br />
We take the Metro from our hotel to the railway station and then walked the mile up the main street to the Olympic Stadium. Which proved a good way to see the sights. Consequently we were there with hours to spare.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBry7AxMp92gPV3VufYb35F82Q0UEtU-IGqsZwiUqBjKm2ij5mcQSovclQDkXnnKg26iX69Ed1weQHhNXzUaBXLyWcmKmJ4wh5UMWkSCdPiiwJ5RbUNNiv9X_QStKc0_6_KiXSz7u3eehg/s1600/DSC02542+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBry7AxMp92gPV3VufYb35F82Q0UEtU-IGqsZwiUqBjKm2ij5mcQSovclQDkXnnKg26iX69Ed1weQHhNXzUaBXLyWcmKmJ4wh5UMWkSCdPiiwJ5RbUNNiv9X_QStKc0_6_KiXSz7u3eehg/s320/DSC02542+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A whole host of sports venues were built in Helsinki for the 1940 Olympic Games, which never happened. Something to do with a World War. Instead Helsinki got to host the games in 1952. As far as I can tell all these venues have been preserved and are still in use today. Work has had to be done on them but care seems to have been taken to keep the original look of the buildings rather than to completely modernise them. In the UK of course we'd have simply demolished them before spending years looking at a derelict site amid political wrangling and escalating costs before we finally built something ‘modern’.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-taRbvWkPjr-ZGa63ysvM29NroD0s2k2qrZPgOgtiM_lMVVibWws0eEM3XzxOs-WUdw8lYGpiFTeLi_hseYmJ1amqAfkWPXo4niqjVBflQnsmJCauEtfTYFktyY7QLZ4qNz2Ne_poZDY/s1600/DSC02516+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-taRbvWkPjr-ZGa63ysvM29NroD0s2k2qrZPgOgtiM_lMVVibWws0eEM3XzxOs-WUdw8lYGpiFTeLi_hseYmJ1amqAfkWPXo4niqjVBflQnsmJCauEtfTYFktyY7QLZ4qNz2Ne_poZDY/s320/DSC02516+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We kill several hours at the race expo, the coffee shop and with a walk around the area, taking in the national football stadium and the Olympic swimming pool which are all part of the same complex. Outside the complex are statutes of Finnish athletes Paavo Nurmi and Lasse Viren. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9qf1oQOqVFFd4brOlbXcUmoukoJVhHCKKkrxW5GpfsAk_PnUXvg2riBMRbolHgOK77-Zxp5NpWWGnAvgRbg6ogjmD3B_yNMI3mDuLXt_83bPzTm6Fxvr2E4lBKptwsr9fnN1fY7paGJs/s1600/DSC02511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9qf1oQOqVFFd4brOlbXcUmoukoJVhHCKKkrxW5GpfsAk_PnUXvg2riBMRbolHgOK77-Zxp5NpWWGnAvgRbg6ogjmD3B_yNMI3mDuLXt_83bPzTm6Fxvr2E4lBKptwsr9fnN1fY7paGJs/s320/DSC02511.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Poor Paavo, like most male statues in Helsinki, he is naked. All the female statutes we see are clothed, which is a bit of a departure from the norm. Lasse kept his kit on though, whether this means he’s less or more revered than Paavo I’m not sure.<br />
<br />
The race itself starts at 3pm and I’m in the first ‘white’ group, entered when I had two good legs to run on, whilst L is in the third ‘yellow’ group which starts at 3.20. There are six starts in all, all at ten minutes intervals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz2F_adyEjSLxOGwf6UQ688uN4-XOYk9FBverTo6trmB2aUUgIJBK9IRmb7z7B67JLehZbZzNwaSWkP8nWhu0FDhfFBSqGAfHTxEypytLJhq5WHgItQECvaDjVz518N317GwlVii9a4fF/s1600/DSC02551+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz2F_adyEjSLxOGwf6UQ688uN4-XOYk9FBverTo6trmB2aUUgIJBK9IRmb7z7B67JLehZbZzNwaSWkP8nWhu0FDhfFBSqGAfHTxEypytLJhq5WHgItQECvaDjVz518N317GwlVii9a4fF/s320/DSC02551+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The first thing to say is the locals like to seriously overdress for their running. They are all wearing so many layers. Ok, the day started overcast but it's not particularly cool and now the sun is starting to breakthrough, so it could really warm up later. I’d hate to think what they wear if they go out running in February when the temperature rarely gets above -5. Today the temperature is best described as ‘typically British’.<br />
<br />
In the face of all this layering up, L wavers and puts on long sleeves. Probably thinking they know something we don't but I'm sure she’ll regret it later. <br />
<br />
The race route takes us around two lakes close to the city centre before heading north, taking in another lake and some parkland. It's run almost totally on cinder paths, which doesn’t suit me and I long for a stretch of tarmac but I don’t get it. The route is also more undulating that you would expect.<br />
<br />
As I predicted it's also now quite warm, not that the Fins seem to notice. A few strip off a layer or so but not many, most just sweat it out. Seriously sweat it out. Perhaps it’s some mass communal weight loss strategy.<br />
<br />
Local Scandinavian genes kindly produce blondes aplenty, of both sexes, and an abundance of Finnish pony tails, again of both sexes. It's all a bit wasted though without the off-the-shoulder running vests we get in the UK. Buried under all the fleeces, jackets, hats and gloves the effect is lost. I'll just have wile away my time looking at the cultural aspects of Helsinki instead. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6n34hyphenhyphen0UJj57aLBc8iNJvU5ResuutS5ITAlTSOcTqWe8SZGVXsi_R2BVdK1iBkaNoyYo6BxkIb5mJE2dDwjxHsPQZ3yZRHi7p04xRIIzbWMXBBY9XrZ1Z5XNegj-DJrxCsbXv5JV1Hjf/s1600/Helsinki+City+Run+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6n34hyphenhyphen0UJj57aLBc8iNJvU5ResuutS5ITAlTSOcTqWe8SZGVXsi_R2BVdK1iBkaNoyYo6BxkIb5mJE2dDwjxHsPQZ3yZRHi7p04xRIIzbWMXBBY9XrZ1Z5XNegj-DJrxCsbXv5JV1Hjf/s320/Helsinki+City+Run+Map.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The drinks stops are good with water and Gatorade. Although always in cups, which means I have to stop each time or else I’d have ended up wearing all of it.<br />
<br />
The locals are out in reasonable force to watch but I wouldn’t call it ‘support’. They simply stand and stare, either fascinated or appalled, I can’t quite decide which. Very few deign to clap or cheer as people would back home, even in Nottingham, and I assume those that do here must be fellow foreigners. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_tX0Si6b_vwvEcUDIZEvERneCQM_3M5pxV4vcT4EIRD-enIDrrtx3RXcUCsSO4pPBjLsIePoYtQhirbqHkeAtp8wP9xONGttv134G42VPUdjsVTMPBu-vClcgJPYbErS01RIl5qXYTOJ/s1600/DSC02552+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_tX0Si6b_vwvEcUDIZEvERneCQM_3M5pxV4vcT4EIRD-enIDrrtx3RXcUCsSO4pPBjLsIePoYtQhirbqHkeAtp8wP9xONGttv134G42VPUdjsVTMPBu-vClcgJPYbErS01RIl5qXYTOJ/s320/DSC02552+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I complete the course in a respectable time of 1:45. I'm pleased with that, beating the 1:48 from my last race at Worcester was my aim. I managed a steady five minute km pace all the way around, which is something to now build on.<br />
<br />
With L starting twenty minutes behind me I have plenty of time now to go fetch the dogs out of the car... ah, knew we’d forgot something. Instead there's plenty of freebies to pick up, which will do for lunch. Then I look around for a post-race massage, surely the University of Helsinki’s physio department have their best young talent doing the honours? Or at least a posse of big blond Nordic men who will attempt to snap your leg off. I don't see any, well not until later by which time my legs have already set.<br />
<br />
L comes in wearing just her running vest with her long sleeve top knotted around her waist, having had to strip behind a portaloo midrace. What did I say...<br />
<br />
Back at the hotel I present L with a special t-shirt I had made to mark the occasion of her completely her 500 mile challenge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAJfGBDIfSCDL-qdDcPotEqgGUidUHbU4IoqhgnGI4v3-gmCCkoRJ0bXC79qOHuwaEGE8w29RaxcbxFD7k7hFnnFsGboMRoHyJO-me88TiMtstXuAH7lmEf9rdW7-LnSCMN7qoxFdne1N/s1600/DSC02567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAJfGBDIfSCDL-qdDcPotEqgGUidUHbU4IoqhgnGI4v3-gmCCkoRJ0bXC79qOHuwaEGE8w29RaxcbxFD7k7hFnnFsGboMRoHyJO-me88TiMtstXuAH7lmEf9rdW7-LnSCMN7qoxFdne1N/s320/DSC02567.JPG" /></a></div><br />
So job done. 500 up!<br />
<br />
L's Time: 02:15:51<br />
<br />
Races: 64<br />
Miles: 510.8<br />
T-shirts: 36<br />
Medals: 22<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 4<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Mugs: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-49477826339007910272012-04-25T14:19:00.000+01:002012-04-25T14:19:25.572+01:00Lord Mayor’s 10kWhile the whole country’s eyes were on that marathon thing in London, we’re in Sheffield for the much more modest Lord Mayor’s 10k, which is part of the Sheffield Festival of Athletics. It’s presumably all with the Lord Mayor’s blessing, as he’s there. <br />
<br />
The event starts and finishes at the impressive Don Valley Stadium, actually inside the stadium unlike Sixways last week. It’s a nice touch to run on the track inside the stadium but I quickly grow a bit sick of the sight of it, as we start in it, finish in it, return to do a lap of the track (twice) and run around the top of it (three times). It’s enough to make you dizzy. <br />
<br />
In between the route takes us around the pathways that surround the stadium and a lot of cones. The three lap course is ideal for spectators who could put their feet up in the covered grandstand and heckle you in comfort, no less than seven times. I really should have brought my father. Being under cover was useful as the weather was mixed.<br />
<br />
The Festival of Athletics was going on as we lapped the stadium for the umpteenth time and you could watch the pole-vaulters trying to harm themselves. The rest of the course had one sharp incline, done three times naturally but other than that it was exceedingly flat by Yorkshire standards but very twisty. That’s not my sort of course but that probably wasn’t the reason why I was so slow, over 46 minutes. That’s lack of training. I did a bit extra as well, as I went the wrong way and had to be shouted back.<br />
<br />
I wasn’t convinced about the course measurement, something not helped by the lack of km markers. I only saw 1, 4, 6 and 8 and as I had three laps to look for the rest of them, I’m pretty sure they weren’t there. It also took an age, well five and half minutes, to reach the first one, which means to me that it was in the wrong place. The markers all had ‘Varsity 10k’ on them, a different race held a month ago and my initial assumption was that they were reusing these but now, post-event, I’m thinking perhaps they had just been left up by accident. Apparently that race started in a completely different place, so it was all very confusing. <br />
<br />
At the end I’m handed a nice Festival t-shirt, aside from being green, handed out by the Lord Mayor himself. I didn’t think the race was that inspiring and L enjoyed it more than me but then she’ll do anything for a green t-shirt.<br />
<br />
This now leaves L with just 2.3 miles to run to complete her 500 mile target. Which is an absolute doddle with two weeks left to go, except that I’m forcing her to board a plane to Finland in order to complete it. I’m cruel like that.<br />
<br />
L's Time: 01:00:23<br />
<br />
Races: 63<br />
Miles: 497.7<br />
T-shirts: 35<br />
Medals: 21<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 4<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Mugs: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-70939352775355282392012-04-15T00:00:00.000+01:002012-04-18T14:17:56.623+01:00Worcester Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ozMG-y3bJZq6K2emdUMbQocsKmIlNMyi90Bt8rlXCRwFBCv1I1h_DRgkiF1-m7PiFlBUhn2t4yPXbnNQfMLKSIdzW5mJDGT_V9PpPA0QGixslJRKHluhVrVAtSR5WrbagS5XYvL7RHCC/s1600/worcester-half.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="62" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ozMG-y3bJZq6K2emdUMbQocsKmIlNMyi90Bt8rlXCRwFBCv1I1h_DRgkiF1-m7PiFlBUhn2t4yPXbnNQfMLKSIdzW5mJDGT_V9PpPA0QGixslJRKHluhVrVAtSR5WrbagS5XYvL7RHCC/s320/worcester-half.png" /></a></div><br />
This was the first running of the Worcester Half and Full Marathon, so a few minor teething problems can be forgiven but as it was put on by an experienced ‘events’ company, Threshold, I’m not sure why they fell down on as many things as they did. Right from the off directions to the venue were a bit basic for a non local. There weren’t any. Just a venue, with a post code I suppose, but not even a sign from the nearby motorway. <br />
<br />
The promised the 'small' parking charge turned out to be a hefty £3. Small = 50p. This caused a major tailback that backed up all the way down the dual carriageway as everyone had a whip-round in their pockets to find the cash. If you are going to charge for parking then either add it to the entry fee or at least disclose the amount to us in advance.<br />
<br />
We were early enough to avoid the worst of the queue and could take advantage of the facilities at the Sixways Rugby Stadium. It was nice to have proper facilities as opposed to the usual portaloos.<br />
<br />
The result of parking debacle was a delayed start by 15 minutes and a problem trying to keep warm. The start was on a very narrow country lane that presented little in the way of warming-up opportunities, nor vantage points for spectators but my father hadn’t made it to this one. <br />
<br />
Once we started the route turned out to be pleasant enough. Scenic countryside with a few playful hills. In fact they took us up one almost straight from the start, which was a nice touch. At least, as I know we do this bit again in reverse, the finish will be down it. We were soon past the 13 mile point... Blimey that was a short run, about 12 minutes, a PB and a world record or is that sign just for the full marathon? Yes, some 200 folks are going to go around this course twice. <br />
<br />
The route took us through villages and past local pubs, where there were plenty of spectators cheering everyone on but none of them were offering beer. Only sports drink in cups as well as water in bottles. Although I would have liked water before 4.5 miles and on the information sheet four drinks stations were promised but only three were delivered.<br />
<br />
The weather was good, it started out chilly but soon warmed up. Well I warmed up, I’m not sure L did but then she’s a girl. <br />
<br />
Although billed as the 'Worcester' half, we didn’t appear to go anywhere near the place. Perhaps in future it would be nice to take in some of it, if that’s possible and perhaps a stadium finish? As a first attempt though, it wasn't bad, a good turnout and a nice friendly feel. <br />
<br />
They told us before we started that the 11 and 24 mile markers had been stolen, what they didn't mention was that miles 6, 7, 8 and 9 had gone AWOL too, along with the associated marathon distances. The organisers seem to think this was a ‘targeted removal’ rather than a prank, perhaps by the impatient driver who tried to mow half the field down. The roads weren't closed to traffic but most drivers were patient and considerate, some weren’t but that’s normal. <br />
<br />
I was aiming for steady-ish but not too steady 8 minute miles, the lack of mile markers stuffed this as I continually tried to average my time out over more and more miles until my head exploded at the complexity of the maths of it all. <br />
<br />
I also got blocked by a car on the downhill finish that I was so looking forward to it. Then it was a surprise to be diverted down the canal towpath at the end, which was a bit narrow, making overtaking difficult as people lifted their pace towards the finish. At least I didn't wobble into the canal.<br />
<br />
The 26 mile marker also seemed well adrift from where it should have been, good job it didn't apply to me but it should have indicated .2 to go. Although us ‘halves’ had to do an annoying final loop around a cone, it still seemed well out of place. <br />
<br />
Oddly there was no clock at finish line but my time of 1:49 isn’t bad considering, although I had targeted a 1:48. I’m handed a rather nice T- shirt. Yay, in cotton, so I can go out to the pub in it tonight. I’m a bit sick of technical t-shirts. They even seem to have enough in smaller sizes, which is a first because although I pick up a ‘small’ for L and she picks up a ‘medium’ for me there are still plenty of ‘smalls’ left.<br />
<br />
I wait for L, who does another decent time. Not as quick as Reading but this was a lot hillier and we did both run yesterday.<br />
<br />
This run leaves her just 8.5 miles to do to complete her challenge.<br />
<br />
L's Time: 01:00:11<br />
<br />
Races: 62<br />
Miles: 491.5<br />
T-shirts: 34<br />
Medals: 21<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 4<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Mugs: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-83740364612178331382012-04-14T00:00:00.000+01:002012-04-18T14:13:01.922+01:00Paws 10kIt’s the fourth running of the Paws 10k at Cotgrave Country Park this morning and, for the first time in those four years, those with paws are allowed to run. How could I deny MD this opportunity? I couldn’t. I’m sure Doggo would have liked to have done it too but sorry mate, this is MD’s gig.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesq3whvr8bgSY_eO9lZ6kJl0cqkjZUh1f7zOg2za79g2bz82dtqsW7-xMum42uHVCn1UFHBPL6YMBT3JxLnOnHTfw4ELrfsS8EEAl_RnVyJq202VaDvZuIKGwTJsMypglkCEOVOb_Vn9Y/s1600/Paws+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="120" width="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesq3whvr8bgSY_eO9lZ6kJl0cqkjZUh1f7zOg2za79g2bz82dtqsW7-xMum42uHVCn1UFHBPL6YMBT3JxLnOnHTfw4ELrfsS8EEAl_RnVyJq202VaDvZuIKGwTJsMypglkCEOVOb_Vn9Y/s320/Paws+logo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The main Paws event - the 10k, starring L, is off at 10am, so she could have had a lie-in this morning if MD and I weren’t doing the 4Paws 5k at 9am of course. Sorry. <br />
<br />
My calf is definitely much improved but being dragged around 5k by the manic MD will certainly be the acid test. If the injury can survive that, then tomorrow’s Worcester Half Marathon is a mere formality. <br />
<br />
First though, the pre-race warm up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYfKrRTgyBgGnKAA1_5EFPguQyGRFrT5jGPStGk8Okz0LjaBS0dGdJmmgcovR-MCZDq7FpdGK-H_oS9Hgt9X2tOHweYtlMFRH-DdIAmknn6-U5q-2gfovZi6EvPMIKlisK4RcOLlhiXgT/s1600/Snow2012+001+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYfKrRTgyBgGnKAA1_5EFPguQyGRFrT5jGPStGk8Okz0LjaBS0dGdJmmgcovR-MCZDq7FpdGK-H_oS9Hgt9X2tOHweYtlMFRH-DdIAmknn6-U5q-2gfovZi6EvPMIKlisK4RcOLlhiXgT/s320/Snow2012+001+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There are around a dozen of us and they set everyone off at five second intervals, meaning some mathematics will be required in adjusting the finish times. I’m a little disappointed not to get a mass start, as they are always fun but perhaps they are just being annoyingly sensible. Perhaps they’ve just taken note of MD.<br />
<br />
He is a tad excited at the start, well I interpret his noisiness as excitement, it could have simply been annoyance at his Saturday morning lie-in going astray. Perhaps he’s just trying to unsettle the opposition. It works, everyone seems to be backing away from us, moving us nearer to the front.<br />
<br />
Then we’re away. I try to hold him back, for his sake and for the sake of my dodgy calf but it’s no good, he won’t be constrained and I decide to go with the flow, his flow.<br />
<br />
I have my best, newest, most cushioned, most expensive running shoes on as I know the Paws 10k is always on solid grit tracks. They omit to tell us that the 4Paws run isn’t, it’s across muddy grassland instead, so I wish I’d gone for some older footwear. It’s also not terribly well marked or marshalled. We gain a place as one of the ‘professionals’ an aggressively attired Cani-X refugee appears from behind a bush, seemingly having gone the wrong way. At least at the finish, that’s what she claimed she was doing behind the bush.<br />
<br />
The race does seem to be a bit of an afterthought, or forethought as we’re before the main race, and I didn’t think the organisers took it terribly seriously. Not like MD, he’s deadly serious.<br />
<br />
We cross the line in fourth, I think, where we are congratulated by a six foot tall fluffy dog, which MD eyes suspiciously but keeps his cool. Our position is adjusted down to fifth when the start times are checked. I’ll need to double check that on the official results, if there are any. I have my doubts. As I say, I didn’t think the organisers took it terribly seriously.<br />
<br />
Having apparently sabotaged L and Doggo’s run at Catton last year, they get their own back as Doggo supports us over the last fifty metres or so causing MD to run this last stretch backwards, barking his regards to Doggo. That probably cost us fourth, which still wouldn’t have been good enough for a podium place but it's good enough for a bag full of dog treats.<br />
<br />
After all that excitement, there’s not really much point putting on the main race as anything else is going to be an anticlimax but they do anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW7fcYjohRR2kJAQKdCHmYlCE1iUs2Dy0_9BAQ2HH1U9e9NlmzE3fmzhYRyrM1h6m1pJ7bzymJKE6GRJKtdFq3ZB27CXoC-XbGfiQZSz6ukfQTHHdtNN-XD1StfNhO4ljHnBYnbQw77nq/s1600/Snow2012+023+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW7fcYjohRR2kJAQKdCHmYlCE1iUs2Dy0_9BAQ2HH1U9e9NlmzE3fmzhYRyrM1h6m1pJ7bzymJKE6GRJKtdFq3ZB27CXoC-XbGfiQZSz6ukfQTHHdtNN-XD1StfNhO4ljHnBYnbQw77nq/s320/Snow2012+023+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
L claims to be saving herself for Worcester but clocks just over an hour on a course that to me (last year) didn’t seem quick despite its relative flatness.<br />
<br />
L's Time: 01:00:11<br />
<br />
Races: 61<br />
Miles: 478.3<br />
T-shirts: 33<br />
Medals: 20<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 4<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Mugs: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-30286632027280771382012-04-09T00:00:00.000+01:002012-04-12T14:43:09.677+01:00Wollaton Park Easter 10kWhile I’m in the rather unglamorous surroundings of a very met and muddy field in Solihull, attempting to get a dog to jump some poles and failing, L’s having a much better time of things.<br />
<br />
She does 58.03 for her 10k on what is a far from fast course around the undulating grounds of Wayne Manor, formerly known as Wollaton Hall. It's featured in the new Batman movie. <br />
<br />
The girl done well and is edging ever closer to the magic 500 miles. <br />
<br />
L's Time: 00:58:03<br />
<br />
Races: 60<br />
Miles: 472.1<br />
T-shirts: 33<br />
Medals: 20<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Mugs: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-24900548452877953872012-04-01T00:00:00.000+01:002012-04-05T14:07:56.626+01:00Reading Half MarathonSo it’s 5am, its -2 degrees, its April Fools’ Day and we’re driving two and half hours down to Reading, gammy leg and all, with our return journey entirely dependent on people having left enough fuel in the pumps to get us home. You couldn’t make it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakisTDgWq1EUyoDCHcVjx-6T6wbay_E0BZexj3sgDV86dYiOq5U86ibXM40eyE4pPnmWY8LLEksSJCfgeHg9cSusw2pPyYs6qzl7COv-rE-9nFmULmrp6L6nI8-WgbCpJ5FERDdcKssk9/s1600/reading2012_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="78" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakisTDgWq1EUyoDCHcVjx-6T6wbay_E0BZexj3sgDV86dYiOq5U86ibXM40eyE4pPnmWY8LLEksSJCfgeHg9cSusw2pPyYs6qzl7COv-rE-9nFmULmrp6L6nI8-WgbCpJ5FERDdcKssk9/s320/reading2012_logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
The weather is soon warming up as wander across the gravelly car park that doubles as the race village, please tarmac it, and head to the start. By 10am, it's really quite pleasant. Sunny but still cool. In short, perfect race conditions, for anyone who’s fit enough to take advantage of them. E.g. not me.<br />
<br />
I have a red number and a guaranteed spot in the front 10% of the race, just behind the Kenyans but I'm not there. Instead I'm stood next to a sign the says ‘2 hours’. Which is roughly where all the duck costumes, the tutus, those dressed up as pieces of fruit and others who are not taking it quite so seriously hang out. Well apart from the bananas, the bananas are always up front. Of course, there’s L too. Pretending not to take it seriously and publicly happy with anything under three hours but actually set to be gutted if she doesn’t break 2:15. <br />
<br />
Sally Gunnell, Natasha Danvers and Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski start the race but the Reading chairman is the only one of the three who joins in with the race. Danvers has an Olympics on her mind but Gunnell’s excuse of being ‘retired’ must have seemed a bit hollow as she watched the 70 year old Madejski disappear down the road. <br />
<br />
Fair play to the football club who fielded quite a team including manager Brian McDermott and their furry mascot Kingsley the Lion. The lion kept out of my way, which was wise of him. <br />
<br />
Back here in 2 hour land nothing actually happens when the race ‘starts’. I’m used to skipping across the line about 20 seconds or so after said Kenyans but not today, not back here. Somebody needs to devise some entertainment for these people while they wait for that start line to come into view.<br />
<br />
It seems like an eternity but is actually ‘only’ 13 minutes before our race is finally underway and we can start the process of weaving around those who have started in too advanced a position for their ability. This is worse for us 2 hour-ers because back here so many people run two or three abreast chatting, creating a much wider road block, oblivious to the swearing of those behind them. Try that up front and somebody would have cracked you over the head with a bottle of Lucozade Sport or worse, poured the toxic liquid all over you. ‘Sorry mate, my hand slipped’. Seen it done. <br />
<br />
Nor do we get people dropping bottles in the middle of the road. Tut tut. Nor do we get camel’s overtaking us... Oh, the shame. I reassure myself. It’s just a training run, stay cool. Don’t look at L grinning at you.<br />
<br />
In a way I’m actually enjoying the leisurely pace. Although at 9:30 per mile, I’m currently towing L, who is behind me, ahead of her schedule and we stay at a solid 10:00 minute mile pace or less for the first six miles.<br />
<br />
The crowds are out in force throughout Reading. In places where the route wasn’t barriered off they were encroaching on the route, narrowing the road, Tour de France style. Which was rather thrilling. Unfortunately in the centre of the town, shoppers took advantage of this by rushing across in gaps that weren’t there, causing some nasty moments and a few collisions. So barriers are required there, in places where watching isn’t going to be the primary activity and where ‘normal life’ hasn’t ceased. If you can call shopping normal life that is.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile I’m still having a bit of camel trouble. The damn thing passes me three times, so I can only assume it does so, and then hides for a bit so that it can embarrass me all over again. Not funny. It’s given the chap next to me the hump or so he says. He makes not comment when the Gingerbread men come past us. I too am lost for words.<br />
<br />
It’s enough to drive you to drink, so fortuitously at around seven and a half miles I’m hoping to get one. It was somewhere around here last year, just around a left hand bend. I move over to the left to make sure I don’t miss it. Yep, there it is. A pub dispensing its beer in little plastic cups so that you can top up your carbohydrates and anaesthetise your gammy leg, if you have one, all in one go. How thoughtful. I grab one and stop briefly to drink it.<br />
<br />
I’m surprised to see L follow me and grab one too. Ever the professional though, she won’t stop to drink it and ends up giving half to me. Not a problem.<br />
<br />
The leg is coping ok, although I do slow to walk on a steep but short incline in the city centre, causing L to suspect the leg has gone again but I’m just been cautious.<br />
<br />
After 8 miles, L encourages me to push on ahead, if I so wish. I decide to test the leg out a bit and go off in search of Gingerbread men and that bloody camel, which is presumably hiding somewhere. No sign. Instead I come across a caterpillar powered by several army blokes, all in full army kit. Kudos for that. I reel them in, and then I put Scooby Doo to the sword before stalking Elvis all the way along the dual carriage way that makes up mile eleven. Still no sign of the damn camel.<br />
<br />
The ‘pushing on’ does bring a few twinges to the leg, so it’s only a very gentle push on taking me back to around 9:30 pace at best. Well short of what I’d do if I was 100%.<br />
<br />
Then after the out and back last mile in front of the Madjeski Stadium, it’s into the stadium itself for the finish. Which didn’t seem quite as impressive as last year. I’m sure last year they had people sat opposite the entrance, so that a wall of faces and sound hit you when you hobbled in. Rather than to the side and behind, as today. Never mind, it’s still good.<br />
<br />
2:09 is my slowest half marathon ever but it was still an enjoyable run. L is a mere four minutes behind me.<br />
<br />
I have a few gripes about the post-finish which was in too much of a confined area and water should have been handed out first not last. No t-shirt of course. Which is always a major downer; I’m not one for medals. A great goodie bag though, rammed full of both useful and useless things.<br />
<br />
All in all, a grand day out again. One that I might have to pencil in the diary to repeat again, due to not being able to give this one my full attention.<br />
<br />
The race results show that even if I’d been fit I couldn’t have kept pace with the likes of Kipyego, Chemugo and Martelletti who led the field home. Nor for that matter the first fruit home, a banana of course, in 1:22.<br />
<br />
John Madejski did an impressive 02:29 beating his manager Brian McDermott's 02:37. We must have passed both of them. Their chip and gun times are so similar, that they obviously both started at the front. <br />
<br />
Of course the bad news is that a chap collapsed and died at the finishing line, which puts everything into perspective. <br />
<br />
L's Time: 02:13:42<br />
<br />
Races: 59<br />
Miles: 465.9<br />
T-shirts: 33<br />
Medals: 20<br />
Chocolate Bars: 7<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />
Sachets Of Liquid Iron Supplement: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-23201467899994179952012-03-25T00:00:00.000+00:002012-03-30T14:44:18.672+01:00Stafford Half MarathonWell first we lose an hour in bed due to the clocks going forward and then we head to Stafford for their half marathon. Though again, due to my injury, only L will be competing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fe10UVXgilVB-cK6BijRQi0eQy44VNKgMPNhSlXbXRZa4-V8ZM8AsmEnN6Uf7FlZugFsBoxs3wvu1_ehVauWv1BJTyaoxQr9KPTqYrGw84sRl9YPsem6Sylddo3TbnTrQcH6INmPV1wD/s1600/DSC02419+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fe10UVXgilVB-cK6BijRQi0eQy44VNKgMPNhSlXbXRZa4-V8ZM8AsmEnN6Uf7FlZugFsBoxs3wvu1_ehVauWv1BJTyaoxQr9KPTqYrGw84sRl9YPsem6Sylddo3TbnTrQcH6INmPV1wD/s320/DSC02419+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
That said, I leave the dogs to howl in the car while I watch the start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHpfdeiwWZq8uaO1yanv-iZ1_nIg6QsmuETPxu5PlcZvrOnGlG4lB-NtDUon3Dj2fsAotcxxrAbdspKTj0BGx0uY3qyHABRfdXBx1yhtLj8N5e98NXx_uQFyNcwkqqb8G2ksADwL_8xFv/s1600/DSC02421+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHpfdeiwWZq8uaO1yanv-iZ1_nIg6QsmuETPxu5PlcZvrOnGlG4lB-NtDUon3Dj2fsAotcxxrAbdspKTj0BGx0uY3qyHABRfdXBx1yhtLj8N5e98NXx_uQFyNcwkqqb8G2ksADwL_8xFv/s320/DSC02421+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then as the course does a loop away from the town centre before returning, I wait for L and join in. I’m not sure exactly how far I run but it was over a mile, maybe one and a half and it goes ok. No reaction in my calf. It’s at a slower pace than I usually run at but it’s a pace that actually doesn’t feel too bad at all. <br />
<br />
L did tell me to take it gently. Unfortunately, I was doing my sort of gentle when it went in the first place. She quotes me, that I was ‘on for a good pace’. It’s all relative. Good = Gentle. I was about to wind it up when my leg fell off.<br />
<br />
Then I leave L to it and run the same distance back to the start, extract the howling twosome from the car. We go to watch the winners finish and then the rest of the race from the pleasant surroundings of Victoria Park.<br />
<br />
I’m not sure how L felt about me running with her. I either paced her or annoyed her. I’m not sure which. Her time though is eleven minutes up on last week and her second best of the year but then such wild swings in her performance are not uncommon.<br />
<br />
Today I don’t have to request a t-shirt as they were handing them out before the start, along with the race medal. This is of course a cardinal sin of the highest order by the organisers and a massive tempting of fate by anyone who takes one. It also causes unnecessary congestion in the race village. That said it’s a brilliant t-shirt, which I shall wear with unearned pride and a little embarrassment. <br />
<br />
L's Time: 02:12:33<br />
<br />
Races: 58<br />
Miles: 452.8<br />
T-shirts: 32<br />
Medals: 19<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-72599986212301533562012-03-18T00:00:00.000+00:002012-03-22T22:50:02.722+00:00Liverpool Half MarathonWe’re in Liverpool today for the Liverpool Half Marathon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq1MHtoiyOkVhFbrogyrpRx9KTxmhmFHzFUMS2PkPoMcYiHgajGKLm7hO8L9Mzqp8TKPeWQdrfhN96hKSzzg9pF4KSoLwdQ5iiRUdftLh5Si7kWbGIyeoNHpaGCqCZKNbSbHNjDQxtnbh/s1600/Liverpool+logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="91" width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq1MHtoiyOkVhFbrogyrpRx9KTxmhmFHzFUMS2PkPoMcYiHgajGKLm7hO8L9Mzqp8TKPeWQdrfhN96hKSzzg9pF4KSoLwdQ5iiRUdftLh5Si7kWbGIyeoNHpaGCqCZKNbSbHNjDQxtnbh/s320/Liverpool+logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
That is when we find the start down at the ‘Waterfront’ which could have done with a few race specific signposts. Both L and I have numbers for the race but only one of us is running it. Woe is me.<br />
<br />
I think I may have liked it. It looked very congested at the start in the Albert Dock and the finish was a bit iffy through an industrial estate but L said the rest was ok and pretty flat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdkSNVpQaFUY3aQV74EzYHbVurlwMIX71je3z1rWiZtfrIkD99Z12OG57F4PL-oFbCUg-nakH0nW0cnKbhFxJk3fbZbTEH7_52ks2iog9qT2qtoKcYVSJAJzXWOjYSYGKnAnIk0B-JPPJ/s1600/DSC02407+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdkSNVpQaFUY3aQV74EzYHbVurlwMIX71je3z1rWiZtfrIkD99Z12OG57F4PL-oFbCUg-nakH0nW0cnKbhFxJk3fbZbTEH7_52ks2iog9qT2qtoKcYVSJAJzXWOjYSYGKnAnIk0B-JPPJ/s320/DSC02407+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
There was a good turnout with 6,300 finishers and they even wheeled in Kriss Akabusi to get the event under way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHNicRfljopFvgqKjQRue3twxJ0uKS5-pdlHJoPobFyeQYm5UwDunKnhhzjJwo3d6H5qE-70VnWZRR0Wlp7yFnQHMbCHVMk3PseAhdiAcgexkL16z-MwTJzOHN6MN8lb85AXK32vUOXq0/s1600/DSC02404+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHNicRfljopFvgqKjQRue3twxJ0uKS5-pdlHJoPobFyeQYm5UwDunKnhhzjJwo3d6H5qE-70VnWZRR0Wlp7yFnQHMbCHVMk3PseAhdiAcgexkL16z-MwTJzOHN6MN8lb85AXK32vUOXq0/s320/DSC02404+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The boys and I have a nice wander down the last mile of the course and the organisers are even good enough to let me have a t-shirt. We don’t see the barefoot runners but apparently there was blood everywhere. Ewww.<br />
<br />
L doesn’t have the best of days and comes in complaining she’s been using the wrong muscles for the last week skiing. Which makes we wonder how I’d have got on had I had two legs to run on.<br />
<br />
L's Time: 02:25:16<br />
<br />
Races: 57<br />
Miles: 439.7<br />
T-shirts: 31<br />
Medals: 18<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-72330111854591584792012-03-04T00:00:00.000+00:002012-03-22T14:15:30.367+00:00Milton Keynes Half MarathonI won't forget <a href="http://www.mkhalf.co.uk/">Milton Keynes Festival Of Running</a> in a hurry. For starters it was a miserable day, raining and cold. The event was well organised, although with a rather small and soulless event village at the Xscape Centre.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2bAljEjZeXVkYC2_uD-E1fnhcEsiQA5oPrjPNpS4qH0nDRztvZu0xFBIThIPP6LH-sisbAyR5muK-Ntu2U0wuMuOK8XemXQHFNMgj8PMJO7DWMIERrL1MjMPidfpxz6XmfovWJQm4d7P/s1600/MK+Half+header.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="41" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2bAljEjZeXVkYC2_uD-E1fnhcEsiQA5oPrjPNpS4qH0nDRztvZu0xFBIThIPP6LH-sisbAyR5muK-Ntu2U0wuMuOK8XemXQHFNMgj8PMJO7DWMIERrL1MjMPidfpxz6XmfovWJQm4d7P/s320/MK+Half+header.gif" /></a></div><br />
We walk the dogs around for a bit but then as the weather gets even worse we shelter in the car until start time when we will 'Run with the herd', which is the race slogan. A reference to the legendary concrete cows of MK I assume. The race starts off on coned off sections of the main roads, which are dull and narrow but flat. Congestion is quite bad due to the narrowness and this gets worse when we catch the 10k runners who started twenty minutes ahead of us. A bigger time gap is required here.<br />
<br />
They divert off our route at around five miles, so from there I could get some space and get a good pace going. So far so good and I’m on a 1:38 pace, which would be very pleasing for this stage of the season. Water is in bottles, which is good but often left unopened which my, by now, cold fingers struggle to deal with.<br />
<br />
Then things go spectacularly wrong. My calf becomes quite tight, probably due to the lack of warming up and perhaps I should have stopped to stretch it. Then though it clearly tears and that is quite simply race over. Only problem being that I’m over six miles into a half marathon, e.g. around half way and therefore pretty much equidistant from the start and the finish.<br />
<br />
A marshal confirms there are no short cuts and no prospect of transport back to the finish, so it’s basically time to walk to the finish. At least I’ll get my medal I suppose. Problem is I’m now really starting to feel the cold and have to jog sections to keep warm. I hobble along with the herd, more than likely doing further damage to the leg.<br />
<br />
So a nice mixture of pain, disappointment and annoyance as I get overtaken by a lot of people I didn’t want to be overtaken by. Then it started to snow. Not the best of days.<br />
<br />
I have to say everybody, both supporters and runners, are very encouraging when they see me walking and struggling but it wasn’t really what I wanted. Somehow I still manage to come in a little ahead of L due to my good start and she still does a good time.<br />
<br />
L Time: 02:15:14<br />
<br />
Races: 56<br />
Miles: 426.6<br />
T-shirts: 30<br />
Medals: 17<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-85705636273577917522012-02-26T00:00:00.000+00:002012-03-01T14:07:00.211+00:00Weston 5The Weston 5 is not really my sort of run. It’s too short (5 miles), is mainly on pavements (which I don’t like the undulating nature of), has the first section on a potholed track and the last on grass. L isn’t taking it very seriously either, misdemeanours last night with alcohol and this morning without. So she’ll probably post another season’s best.<br />
<br />
This race counts as part of the championship for the club I’m in and I had contemplated giving that whole series a go this year until I saw the other races in the series, most of which didn’t appeal. Plus there’s one other teensy eensy blip in the plan, that I’d have to wear a club vest and rather unpatriotically I haven’t got myself one yet. <br />
<br />
L offers me hers, suggesting we cross dress for the day but I decline. As I’ve said I don’t fancy the other races in the championship. I don’t fancy this one much either but it’s local and it ticks boxes. Training for me, mileage for L.<br />
<br />
There’s another reason I don’t fancy it much, I’m still sort of ill. Yet needs must. I have to do some running at some point or else I’m sure my body will implode. So it’s a case of gently does it. Unfortunately these races are so damn fast and it’s difficult to do gentle. <br />
<br />
At least it’s generally flat. So there’s no need really for a female marshal to throw in at half way a ‘<i>it’s all downhill from here</i>’ unless she was being metaphorical, but I assume she's simply lying, as all marshals do regularly. Well all male marshals do. The female ones are usually more honest or at least have the honesty to look dishonest when they’re lying. This one at least looks sincere. The thing is I lived here for 18 years, so I know that’s it’s a steady uphill all the way back to the finish line. <br />
<br />
I’m slow as expected but box ticked. L does relatively better although she doesn’t do the season’s best I predicted but still, box ticked.<br />
<br />
L Time: 00:48:38<br />
<br />
Races: 55<br />
Miles: 413.5<br />
T-shirts: 30<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1<br />
Shot Glass: 1<br />FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-7735898791691556722012-02-19T00:00:00.000+00:002012-02-28T13:49:12.362+00:00Sleaford Half MarathonL runs the Sleaford Half Marathon for the third year in a row. I’ve bailed out this time but then I haven’t got a mileage target to hit. At least not yet. It’s the warmest it’s been for a race in Sleaford in living memory, probably ever, but that’s not actually saying much. Despite their being a frost in the car park the temperature is officially above zero, the wind below 30mph and it’s not raining. Yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbnCtk-awJGMt7mpibNJIe6VumN0iU6NrpYgYenKN1C3ceVozvEa81KzqhNlM6qryHG6CeiAs8UBAxJrMkRMuUNlE6fyUyfY105ISWj2b3g_LizPbWsNezlv8uD7rm4oGrWyTmkw7tGTT/s1600/Sleaford+Half+004+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbnCtk-awJGMt7mpibNJIe6VumN0iU6NrpYgYenKN1C3ceVozvEa81KzqhNlM6qryHG6CeiAs8UBAxJrMkRMuUNlE6fyUyfY105ISWj2b3g_LizPbWsNezlv8uD7rm4oGrWyTmkw7tGTT/s320/Sleaford+Half+004+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
L, has she makes a habit of, hacks several minutes off her best time here in her last ever race here. So see you next year. Maybe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPk5VSVfx4zFxhXuuzxR8EAW4PzquTg1K4Kemqz2rWVN_ACmtVTcLMtkA02tUdBw0GT-Dsqjbc0fUCSiJkZkVjQr5ZjA0s3_-TcLMuZQ6ykoTQAk0ljI56lDdZNZFXm-t3pSpjs4oV9Ya/s1600/Sleaford+Half+008+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPk5VSVfx4zFxhXuuzxR8EAW4PzquTg1K4Kemqz2rWVN_ACmtVTcLMtkA02tUdBw0GT-Dsqjbc0fUCSiJkZkVjQr5ZjA0s3_-TcLMuZQ6ykoTQAk0ljI56lDdZNZFXm-t3pSpjs4oV9Ya/s320/Sleaford+Half+008+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There's toothpaste in her goodie bag, not had some for that for a while.<br />
<br />
L Time: 02:13:23<br />
<br />
Races: 54<br />
Miles: 408.5<br />
T-shirts: 30<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 4<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-20875535321547257162012-02-12T00:00:00.000+00:002012-02-15T13:52:27.496+00:00Liversedge Half MarathonAll week I’ve been assuming the Liversedge Half Marathon near Huddersfield will be off but it isn’t. We awake to a view of hills, hills and more hills. As we drive to the race HQ at the Roberttown Community Centre in the Spen Valley, it doesn’t get any flatter. Where we collect our numbers along with around 500 or so others.<br />
<br />
The course was worryingly downhill for the first mile. What goes down must come back up and it did. Enjoyable though. I like a bit of a challenge. After a bit of a long steady climb there’s another down at around five miles, which is a more violent plummet.<br />
<br />
We cross a ford a mile or later at Brighouse, they do let us use a bridge, and then there’s the steepest climb of the day up Thornhills Beck Lane but thankfully it’s quite short. The route also has a few flat sections which gives you a bit of a break from the upping and downing, especially the downing which I find hard on my legs.<br />
<br />
It’s all relatively scenic and offers good views of the M62. If you look into the distance you can even see Hartshead Moor Motorway Services. There are drinks at around four miles, eight miles and then a bit too quickly at 10 miles but as we were passing the first drinks station again, only in the other direction, it was perhaps understandable.<br />
<br />
Then we’re on to Windy Bank Lane, which isn’t (windy) in either direction, this is our second visit to this stretch of road. Then we’re almost done. <br />
<br />
Not a great time, it was hardly likely to be, but not bad either.<br />
<br />
L Time: 02:19:38<br />
<br />
Races: 53<br />
Miles: 395.4<br />
T-shirts: 29<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-54046107352222765502012-02-04T00:00:00.000+00:002012-02-07T23:37:12.888+00:00Rauceby RipperToday the 2nd year of the ‘Rauceby Ripper’ from good old Sleaford Town Runners. Famous for the Sleaford Half Marathon with its muddy mile in the middle and home of the coldest place on earth (whenever we go). I tell L to go for it, I’ll hold her coat. She reckons I’ve done 259.6 miles whilst she’s been clocking up over 370 on her challenge. I’m impressed. Time for a day off I think.<br />
<br />
Rather appropriately, with it being Sleaford, we get there and there’s a dusting of snow on the ground, yet there isn't anywhere else for miles.<br />
<br />
It’s a 8½ mile, approximately (I love that word) multi-terrain course, which is another reason why I’m holding the coats and the dogs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-LJdyRuloiv9YRpCjtgAMBNedhJRVRkNlVHA5QoQsgyBKUQ9e_ylAxTD2cNRNuKmsyQv0eOdtAOSGaFkCq2x977Gnn6Qn-0TDrteQiqxGItu9Iu-G_rLR9TjQ6Yx77EBWNOFqH9zkq5S/s1600/DSC02183+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-LJdyRuloiv9YRpCjtgAMBNedhJRVRkNlVHA5QoQsgyBKUQ9e_ylAxTD2cNRNuKmsyQv0eOdtAOSGaFkCq2x977Gnn6Qn-0TDrteQiqxGItu9Iu-G_rLR9TjQ6Yx77EBWNOFqH9zkq5S/s320/DSC02183+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It starts within the grounds of Rauceby Hall, although I’m damned if I can see the hall before looping around the villages of North and South Rauceby. We managed to watch the runners at a point a few miles in, bark at a few horses and upset a few locals. All in a day’s work.<br />
<br />
We miss L at the second possible viewing point either because she’s too fast or we collectively spend too much time sniffing, scratching, taking toilet breaks, as well as continuing to bark at horses and upset locals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUg66Sbs_3YrebcLQPlCeJJt3NtFgRio8A1P6s2tL0TReIFKiWZJ0bjRhQIsNarKfaoneWepY6NmVlMYuWU77YLMuc3eXfp6K9XrSCcrvuFbnRYjcu6Vfbo_5RDAWmgERW6rOng-S5CE/s1600/DSC02185+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUg66Sbs_3YrebcLQPlCeJJt3NtFgRio8A1P6s2tL0TReIFKiWZJ0bjRhQIsNarKfaoneWepY6NmVlMYuWU77YLMuc3eXfp6K9XrSCcrvuFbnRYjcu6Vfbo_5RDAWmgERW6rOng-S5CE/s320/DSC02185+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then it’s off to greet all the runners (and walkers as well) at the finish near South Rauceby Village Hall. L, of course, loved it and got the golden boot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTscZ3jBtvPHyPDOWIOJK1KYYUwRYU8a0_IRrwadwTcBLXuskQcXEFhZ5mWxTixhgOCULJh5LvWFk9K0HgDkkXjOKl5whyphenhyphenlWw812K9Azf2TO1gyeZg0lRjZ-rnMK2p2-olGr8qWuXqkm7/s1600/Ripper+Shoe+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTscZ3jBtvPHyPDOWIOJK1KYYUwRYU8a0_IRrwadwTcBLXuskQcXEFhZ5mWxTixhgOCULJh5LvWFk9K0HgDkkXjOKl5whyphenhyphenlWw812K9Azf2TO1gyeZg0lRjZ-rnMK2p2-olGr8qWuXqkm7/s320/Ripper+Shoe+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
L Time: 01:26:06<br />
<br />
Races: 52<br />
Miles: 382.3<br />
T-shirts: 28<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1<br />
Golden Boot: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-29243905034171686362012-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:002012-02-02T00:02:29.717+00:00Ferriby 10It’s zero degrees as we drive up the M1, M18, M62 and journey north of the Humber for the nowhere-near-Ferriby ten mile race. The start is in the village of Skidby and the car park half a mile away in the next village of Cottingham. This year we find somewhere to park in Skidby itself, which is much easier and we stumble across a mini race HQ at Skidby Windmill. Toilets, food, hot drinks etc. Everything you need really.<br />
<br />
The race is set off punctually at 11am, it’s still chilly and I’ve forgotten my gloves but daren't nip back to the car to get them, in case the race goes without me, which I think it would have done. From memory I know the course is more or less uphill to halfway and then flat or downhill to the finish, apart from the final half a mile which involves another climb. Perhaps it would be nice to run it the other way around sometime...<br />
<br />
I amble my way around to that halfway point in 37:42, 40 seconds slower than last year and pointing towards a race time of 1:15 at least. Awful. Even with the downs to come, that’s a lot to pull back to get under 1:13 which was my unstated aim. It would require a storming second half, better than 7 minute miles and I’ve been doing 7:30, 7:40 so far. Then I do a 7:00 and then a 6:50. Hmmm, possible.<br />
<br />
My second half IS storming and I scrape home in 1:12:56, I fair sprinted up that last hill. Perhaps the training is starting to pay off. Last year’s t-shirt of the year is followed by another good one, although not quite as striking. It’s also long sleeved, which is needed this time of the year but will sadly be redundant by Easter.<br />
<br />
While I hack 5 seconds off my time from last year, L hacks 5 minutes off hers. She does like to upstage me. That’s nearly 374 of her 500 miles down now. I wonder what my tally is, I ought to work it out and also the tally of miles to and from the races, that would be scary.<br />
<br />
L Time: 01:40:34<br />
<br />
Races: 51<br />
Miles: 373.8<br />
T-shirts: 28<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-50851297701077052132012-01-22T00:00:00.000+00:002012-01-26T22:46:32.596+00:00Blymhill 10kBack over towards Shropshire today, for the second time within a month for the Blymhill 10k. It’s at a civilised time of 11am but it’s also a cross country, so I opt out. I’ll leave it to the girl who’s chasing the mileage. L bought some Kanadia trail shoes, just like mine, especially. The only difference is that they’re a rather ‘pretty’ pink, mine aren’t. Still, it seems a shame to get them dirty. She should stick to boring colours for her running shoes.<br />
<br />
Blymhill is raising funds for their new village hall, which now looks pretty much complete. Registration is in it. Does this mean there won't be a race next year?<br />
<br />
They march the runners down to their fate, and the start, somewhere in the middle of a farmer’s field. The boys and I go along to bark encouragement. They did say on the info that the event wasn't suitable for dogs but it turns out to be one of the most dog friendly events there is. There was some great walking down public footpaths both at the start and at the finish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06tiVYRHDac4mjqwgxIKKNGcILbIONb3MX-jlFlpa7CDix2QvJrUXAeqfELBwsdvLd-xkSrQf5EKf8TIOWytTqowOf12T6cwq4bvD0Z9pEf28kVHKzJFEv7soNsWUMCkQh0Svfwpwgzb_/s1600/DSC02097+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06tiVYRHDac4mjqwgxIKKNGcILbIONb3MX-jlFlpa7CDix2QvJrUXAeqfELBwsdvLd-xkSrQf5EKf8TIOWytTqowOf12T6cwq4bvD0Z9pEf28kVHKzJFEv7soNsWUMCkQh0Svfwpwgzb_/s320/DSC02097+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Apparently some of the km markers were a bit comedic and everyone thought they’d done a PB for the first 5k but the organisers were just having a laugh and spaced the markers further apart for the second half of the run.<br />
<br />
After battling through the wind, over a few stiles, through some woodland and probably a bit of mud they are all handed a fluffy blue buff for their troubles. Wind, stiles, woodland, mud... would I have liked it? Probably not. Still, there are nice cakes at the finish for which you didn't have to do the run to partake in.<br />
<br />
That though is race number 50.<br />
<br />
L Time: 01:06:59<br />
<br />
Races: 50<br />
Miles: 363.8<br />
T-shirts: 27<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Buff: 1<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-64834105089982866682012-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:002012-01-19T23:02:33.998+00:00Not The Roman IXToday the oddly named ‘Not The Roman IX’. The name came from the original sponsors back in 1968, Roman Motors, and when the race was over nine miles. Eight years ago the host venue was changed to the Sports and Social Club of NFU Mutual in Tiddington, which is just outside Stratford upon Avon. The change to the start and finish meant a new distance of 12k. So at least we’re both guaranteed a PB as neither of us have done a 12k before. It’s also going to be a frosty one, its -3 when we leave home. Time for long sleeves I think.<br />
<br />
The race organisation was pretty faultless, they was also chip timing and a nice cotton t-shirt at the end. I, for one, am getting a bit sick of technical ones. I have to go for a run four times a day now just to use all the ones I have acquired. <br />
<br />
The start was a km down the road which made for a nice little workout for my father who had come to support. Route wise, it was hardly exciting but that’s fine by me. They said there was one climb just before half-way, although I’m sure the road started going upwards at about 3.5k. Then it was downhill into the only civilisation on route, the village of Loxley. It was quite a steep downhill section which they had thoughtfully gritted. Around there was the first of two water stations, not that I partook at either.<br />
<br />
There was a final short kick upwards near the end followed by a slightly downhill run over the last km to the finish. Out of just over 600 entrants, I come in 148th or something like that. My time is nothing special but is at the right pace to break my Half Marathon PB, should I be able to maintain it for 13 miles. Which is my project at the moment. <br />
<br />
L Time: 01:12:35<br />
<br />
Races: 49<br />
Miles: 357.6<br />
T-shirts: 27<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-14972966007977414222012-01-08T00:00:00.000+00:002012-01-12T14:54:11.179+00:00Burton Joyce 10kL had tried to get into a race up in Rother Valley today but that was so badly advertised it was cancelled due to lack of interest. There was one in Birmingham, a five miler and it looked like we would be heading there. I didn’t really mind where we went, I intended to be on bacon butty duty no matter what but then L found something far more local. <a href="http://www.threevillagesgala.co.uk/">The Burton Joyce 10k</a>. It sounded ideal. If it was on... as it wasn’t exactly being heavily advertised but it wasn’t far to go if it’s cancelled or full.<br />
<br />
When we found some details, it confirmed the main thing, that they had bacon cobs. Although I quickly became tempted with the run. The photos on the website show people running on tarmac and not through some muddy field. It’s also the sort of race I might do well in... e.g. badly advertised and no one decent turns up, but only if I prepared properly the night before... e.g. four pints of something 5% followed by a whisky chaser. Which I haven’t done, unfortunately.<br />
<br />
It says that if you walk the 5k you get a free bacon cob – all for £2, or you can run the 10k for £6 and buy your own. Incentive? Not. Decisions decisions. If I was a mileage slag like L I wouldn't have such a tough decision to make.<br />
<br />
Then L expresses concerns for my street cred, not that I thought I had any. What if someone I knew saw me doing a poncy 5K walk? Could I live it down? Could I have a pint of Abbot on the back of a 5K walk? Clearly there's much more to think about than a mere bacon butty. <br />
<br />
So here I am, on the start line. However you can scrub that doing well. There are quite a lot of entrants and they look a pretty fit bunch to me. We start and the first thing to say is I’m not sure about the km marking. 3:38 for the first km and then 4:40 for the second doesn’t sound right. I also find the ‘Fun Run’ signs all the way around unnerving, they seem to imply either I’m on the wrong course or I should be enjoying it. I’m not particularly; it hurts all the way around due to Friday's run.<br />
<br />
They make us run back past the finish, which I assume is where you stop if you’re only doing the 5k. However we’ve only done 4.5k, which makes the £2 ‘Meal n Walk Deal’ even better.<br />
<br />
I’ve made my choice though and now I’ve got two laps of a 1k loop around the pub, where there’s no one counting your laps and I suspect a few short cutters. Before I even get on to my first loop though the winner blasts past me in the opposite direction, in the lead by some distance. I’m not even at the 7k marker, such was his lead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpgRGzzUS4YeZCFUZMc4n2lSwwef42N5BC9eoX8l9NV_oWM3aUT57PV2JwRCdXXQ9SMtsIuh8hfJhf6G_1zsglAfhoYoH8IPJRBTMKoLBW9I6a0T6WrP2fb_UTOMEhtS3MhlmFbhHXZ2h/s1600/Burton+Joyce+10k+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpgRGzzUS4YeZCFUZMc4n2lSwwef42N5BC9eoX8l9NV_oWM3aUT57PV2JwRCdXXQ9SMtsIuh8hfJhf6G_1zsglAfhoYoH8IPJRBTMKoLBW9I6a0T6WrP2fb_UTOMEhtS3MhlmFbhHXZ2h/s320/Burton+Joyce+10k+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Finally loops done, I’m on the final stretch and I hear someone coming up behind me heavy-footedly, I'm knackered so I decide that he can go past, I won’t fight it. That is until I realise there's three of them. That puts a completely different complexion on the matter, I can't allow that. I try and speed up, ultimately holding them off.<br />
<br />
I cross the line, having flogged my guts out all the way round, only to discover there’s no one taking results at the finish. Now I understand the bloody ‘Fun Run’ signs, only it wasn't. <br />
<br />
At 43:47 I’m about a minute quicker than I have been doing and allegedly 9th but I can't confirm this. There’s a good time for L too, who’s back in the 58's and that's 350 miles up for the year.<br />
<br />
L Time: 00:58:27<br />
<br />
Races: 48<br />
Miles: 350.1<br />
T-shirts: 25<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Certificates: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-22598317572891146242012-01-02T00:00:00.000+00:002012-01-05T14:15:00.992+00:00Central Lancashire Half MarathonWe're in Catforth, which is a village close to the M55, not far from Preston. The race we have entered is called the Central Lancashire New Year Half Marathon and is one of many races organised by Fylde Coast Running. L did their Blackpool to Fleetwood race in October.<br />
<br />
The weather is bleak to say the least but does appear to be improving by the minute. Although it is not improving anywhere near quickly enough to save the parking field. We are the third car to be ushered on to the paddy field that has been designated for parking but the first to refuse to budge off the gravel at the entry gate as we watch the first two cars going nowhere fast and wheel spinning themselves deeper into the mud. I reverse out of the field and a marshal quickly deduces that we wish to park elsewhere.<br />
<br />
The race itself was right up my street, duller than ditchwater, I loved it. Fairly flat throughout on country lanes but with a long drag uphill from 3.5 to 5 miles and with no noticeable compensatory downhill to follow. To liven things up we had a strong head wind at times and a bit of hail, which is all part of the fun. The scenery was augmented with four trips across the M55, over bridges that is, we didn’t have to dash across between juggernauts. Counting is not my strong point though and I’m sure we did it five times but I may have been mistaken or delirious with exhaustion by then. At least I hope I was mistaken or else I ran extra.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivib8zTr34BcNxoh6gPkrlZXNrEBW_U9x0ejx7uuGkfBRcWWnM564Nno0VsjyMnUuZgqIXNbNwJyR0BAm_SDNXYmxevuQD1Chzyjr0GFI8c5JS-wtRpVWqX2z8p5FbZo5FGdFYM6knFsKn/s1600/DSC02065+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivib8zTr34BcNxoh6gPkrlZXNrEBW_U9x0ejx7uuGkfBRcWWnM564Nno0VsjyMnUuZgqIXNbNwJyR0BAm_SDNXYmxevuQD1Chzyjr0GFI8c5JS-wtRpVWqX2z8p5FbZo5FGdFYM6knFsKn/s320/DSC02065+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then there was a nice canal crossing over a humpback bridge to finish, which was the prettiest, or rather the only pretty bit.<br />
<br />
I made a slow start, 7:58 for the first mile but then as I worked out that this would get me a 1:44:00 time overall I decided I was happy with that. Then I was unsure if my 7:19 second mile was good news or not. It all went very well considering I’d barely trained for it and I felt so strong that I ran a final 7:15 mile to finish, coming in at 1:43:00 exactly. Pleased with that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YoXH6boxehvoOQddGSr93UKCnWGqcPwJWjcy_QD4zKY3WJXTtw-uwga21mEfz9Cx4viydfsA4vgv7JE6oFsvPRMiqGx7H9aA9RByOra0kPUKdvX8IE3DA8rnRYmyV3RCKnwJN7bX3HGj/s1600/DSC02069+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YoXH6boxehvoOQddGSr93UKCnWGqcPwJWjcy_QD4zKY3WJXTtw-uwga21mEfz9Cx4viydfsA4vgv7JE6oFsvPRMiqGx7H9aA9RByOra0kPUKdvX8IE3DA8rnRYmyV3RCKnwJN7bX3HGj/s320/DSC02069+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
As I crossed the line I was handed a medal (ugh, but a nice one), a kitkat (yum) and bottle of water. The organisation was good, two water stations both with bottled water (brownie points earned), it was well marshalled by some rather cold looking folk and they made good use of the village hall where there were plenty of refreshments on offer. An enjoyable event.<br />
<br />
I didn't think the bleakness and the dullness would suit L but it seemed to, she said she enjoyed it too.<br />
<br />
L Time: 02:21:09<br />
<br />
Races: 47<br />
Miles: 343.9<br />
T-shirts: 25<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 16<br />
Chocolate Bars: 6<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-33544282441608263362011-12-27T00:00:00.002+00:002012-01-03T14:20:41.018+00:00Wheaton Aston 10kAnother run this morning at Wheaton Aston, which is somewhere beyond Cannock and on the way towards Shropshire. It is organised by the Newport Running Club, whose website has been down for a month and therefore there is no race info. So I’m sure we’re not the only ones wondering if it’s still on. An email sent to all online entrants would have been nice, as is the usual form. This doesn’t bode well for the on the day organisation, if it's on of course.<br /><br />Via Runners’ World's Forum we find out some details, that they have apparently contracted a virus on their website and that the race is actually full but at least we’re in. So we’ve not got to drive for over an hour to find a locked HQ and a cancelled race.<br /><br />We do find a lack of toilet facilities, no portaloos tut tut but a butty van with a short queue although regrettably I'm not supporting today. In fact we haven’t even got the dogs with us.<br /><br />The race is all a bit old skool, which is quaint in a way, a back to basics 10k, hand timing, a small ‘start’ sign at the side of the road that everyone misses and a chap sat on a farm gate giving the briefing. I didn’t mention the mile markers did I? For a 10k, my pet hate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMaE9XN-GRwaVME0g352zihl30yMhw_ysNxxvP7savonYi2TJcnyKWsROzVTqJJ72xBPyPQPD2CJzSWVbyiRomqC51ZUsdw2Dyuno5NKDpNSMDYbUq_GF03Ghq09YkTht_V6QfdUmETko/s1600/DSC02033+%2528Large%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMaE9XN-GRwaVME0g352zihl30yMhw_ysNxxvP7savonYi2TJcnyKWsROzVTqJJ72xBPyPQPD2CJzSWVbyiRomqC51ZUsdw2Dyuno5NKDpNSMDYbUq_GF03Ghq09YkTht_V6QfdUmETko/s320/DSC02033+%2528Large%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693409578560110194" /></a><br /><br />The course turns out to be generally flat with just a few gentle inclines, mainly through rural farmland. When two women running near me announce in the first mile that we are all being beaten by a 60 year old lady, who is just up ahead, it causes a surge in the field that nearly tramples the poor lady to death. Such boisterous antics subside as the race goes on and I get through it, albeit slowly, with another 44 minute plus time. L chips a couple of minutes off her Bolsover time to show she’s getting to normal after her bout of whatever she had.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOGuu4HS5k7A8OnTdUXWfcozjTGzzJG_xQcnGibNq3bHbrmPJdecOyyWCxRlt0dpI8VhqAYRhj4MbJon8T2viT8yt216nsftO8FcGcfxfkefaXoJxQqoGeszW9zelrxx8HF8k4H7xUc0h/s1600/DSC02038+%2528Large%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOGuu4HS5k7A8OnTdUXWfcozjTGzzJG_xQcnGibNq3bHbrmPJdecOyyWCxRlt0dpI8VhqAYRhj4MbJon8T2viT8yt216nsftO8FcGcfxfkefaXoJxQqoGeszW9zelrxx8HF8k4H7xUc0h/s320/DSC02038+%2528Large%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693409577285832322" /></a><br /><br />At the end we are all handed a very nice technical shirt, which is unfortunately predominately yellow but you can’t have everything.<br /><br />L Time: 01:02:09<br /><br />Races: 46<br />Miles: 330.8<br />T-shirts: 25<br />T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />Medals: 15<br />Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />Chocolate Bars: 5<br />Toothpaste: 3<br />Redbush: 3<br />Bags: 3<br />Glow Sticks: 1<br />Mugs: 1<br />Plates: 1<br />Paperweights: 1<br />Bandanas: 1<br />Drinks Bottles: 1<br />Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />Rosettes: 1<br />Dog Biscuits: 2<br />Christmas Puddings: 1<br />Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-19662963528930025752011-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:002011-12-29T14:34:37.435+00:00Furnace 5kThis morning the usual 5k run on Darley Park. I usually do this with the elder of our two dogs but had intended to do it with the younger one this year in my attempt to reclaim our title of first dog across the line. We were unfairly beaten last year by a Smurf and his husky. When I say unfairly, I mean they were faster than us, which is very unfair.<br />
<br />
As it turns out I run with both, as L isn’t keen to ruin her run by being attached to a dog, which is understandable. This has actually been my plan for the last two years but in both years its been too icy to have so much dog power at my fingertips. This year that’s not an issue as the weather is practically tropical.<br />
<br />
My concerns about too much dog power appear justified when at the start the elder dog’s wheels are spinning, his paws digging a channel in the soft earth, as I try to prevent us false starting. Meanwhile the other one is spinning in circles trying to escape his lead. Total chaos. Which only gets worse when some idiot yells ‘go’ and the rest of the 150 or so runners head off onto the course. I try to hold the boys back for as long as I can. Impossible. So we rocket after the main field, achieving 0 to 60 in about two seconds. <br />
<br />
Once we’re up to speed and heading in something approaching a straight line, things calm down a touch. The elder dog takes control and leads us for the first 2k, then when he tires our younger model seamlessly takes over. <br />
<br />
My father is waiting on the bridge, I don’t see him but the dogs do and the elder one slams his anchors on. It’s difficult to get him moving again after that, particularly as the course now takes us on a loop away from the finish but we get round. Then when we turn for home he's interested again and we power across the line. We come in a credible 51st but more importantly we are first dog or dogs home.<br />
<br />
L Time: 00:28:38<br />
<br />
Races: 45<br />
Miles: 324.5<br />
T-shirts: 24<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 15<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-54750731317808669832011-12-18T00:00:00.000+00:002011-12-22T14:00:05.397+00:00Bolsover 10kAnother run this morning but just for L. The boys and I are all just supporting today. We head to Bolsover, where we park in the town centre and before walking to the newly rebuilt Bolsover School on Mooracre Lane, where the race starts. There are a few patches of ice on the ground, which I’m sure won’t cause any problems but it’s another reason I’m glad I’m not running.<br />
<br />
The start is delayed by about ten minutes; the rumour is this is because of the length of the toilet queue. You would have thought the toilet provision, as this is a race with a long history, is something they would have got right. Also having to filter everyone one through the start only then to start in the other direction was not the brightest thing to do but not my problem, as I’m not running. <br />
<br />
Apparently the race always used to start at the school before being moved down the road to Bolsover Castle in 2009, causing the distance to go up to 11k. So they added a 1k walk to the start last year to get it back down to 10k but then oddly ended up not finishing in the castle at all but in the field beside it. This year we’re back at the school.<br />
<br />
There’s a bacon butty van for us supporters but unfortunately it’s inside the school grounds, where the dogs aren’t allowed. So instead we stare longingly at it through the railings but not so longingly at the queue. Seems not only do they need more portaloos, they need more butty vans as well.<br />
<br />
So instead we walk out across the fields to the 9k point, nearly get run over on the busy road and then walk back. ‘What was the point of that?’ Doggo’s knotted ears enquire. Just a walk, you know, dogs like them, apparently. <br />
<br />
When we return to the school, half an hour after the race start, just ahead of the winner, I’m sure the same people are still in the butty van queue. The race winner, Richard Weir of Derby AC, crosses the line in a highly impressive time of 30:43 and a new course record. So he’s £100 better off. <br />
<br />
L, still coughing, knocks a few minutes off her Langdale time but is still clearly not back to full speed yet, plus there was those 2-for-1 beers last night... That said, it worked ok for me yesterday. She collects her race t-shirt, an astonishingly florescent affair, ideal for those dark evening winter runs or for directing traffic in. Although they did run out of her size. So organisers... loos, butties and t-shirts. The rest was great.<br />
<br />
L Time: 01:04:18<br />
<br />
Races: 44<br />
Miles: 321.4<br />
T-shirts: 24<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 15<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0Bolsover, Derbyshire S44, UK53.231044 -1.289720953.212034499999994 -1.3292029 53.2500535 -1.2502389tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-23179798722685024022011-12-17T00:00:00.000+00:002011-12-21T21:45:49.345+00:00Santa PawsThis morning a trip to West Bromwich for the Santa Paws 5k. Partly to chalk another three miles off L’s target but also to support the folk at K9Running who are trying to get their running with dogs events off the ground. Although they don't seem to be trying very hard. Little publicity and even their website doesn’t appear in a search engine. Rather worryingly the pre-race instructions were emailed to only three addresses and two of them were L and me. So I expect nothing less than a top 3 finish from both of us. We have standards to keep up.<br />
<br />
It’s a good job we decide to go, when we arrive at Sandwell Park Farm this morning we double the race numbers. Yes, there are only four of us. A fifth person decided it was too wet and miserable this morning and has clearly found something better to do.<br />
<br />
I hang back at the start, well try to. Not easy when you’re attached to a dog. The early leader doesn’t look particularly fast and certainly the dog assisted pace he is currently setting looks unsustainable for both man and beast. Hurtling out of control along the footpath, he comes across an icy path and down he goes. Oh dear. I stop to help him up like the good citizen/competitor that I am. Then we overtake him.<br />
<br />
For once, when in front, MD doesn’t look back and we build a reasonable lead before backing off and taking it steady around the rest of it, feeling sure we have at least a minutes lead on him. What we didn’t expect was to come in and then wait around ten minutes for everyone else. As the minutes clock by, I look at my watch, thinking L should be in any time soon and second place is still up for grabs. Then the chap and L with Doggo come in more or less together. The chap beats them, just, so L and Doggo come in third or first lady if you prefer (sorry mate). The goodie bag includes antlers for the boys or are they for us, I’m not sure.<br />
<br />
So I win and L wins. Can’t get better than that can you? A small field, yes, but you can only beat the opposition that is put in front of you. So a successful day really and as L points out my second win and again after a heavy night out on the ale. Which kind of rips the rules of perceived wisdom up. <br />
<br />
In the afternoon they are holding a Fun Dog Show, you know ugliest bitch and all that, plus a variety of junior and ‘Have-a-Go’ 2.5K races, all presumably in the rain. Good luck guys, I fear you’ll need it, we’re off home.<br />
<br />
L Time: 00:35:23<br />
<br />
Races: 43<br />
Miles: 315.2<br />
T-shirts: 23<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 15<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 3<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 2<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1<br />
Antlers: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-36259237607580707882011-12-11T00:00:00.000+00:002011-12-15T00:24:48.672+00:00Great Langdale Christmas Pudding 10kThe Great Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k is the self styled ‘people’s choice 10K winter run’, hmm maybe. L’s only here for the mileage, I’m only here for the beer but it has become a bit of a tradition.<br />
<br />
There are as usual two races over two days with the Saturday proving more popular than the Sunday. Race organisers who run practically everything on a Sunday take note. Just under 300 today but nearly 430 yesterday.<br />
<br />
They encourage entrants to dress in festive costumes and as I recall I got defeated by a green elf last time, although I was just coming back from injury. That’s my excuse. There’s no repeat today, as far as I know. There are plenty of Santas and even the odd pudding but I think they’re all behind me. <br />
<br />
L looks very fetchingly festive in her red top, Santa hat and Christmassy ear rings. Something is missing though. Those little red skirts with the fur trim have a certain something... Perhaps I’ll get her one for Bolsover next week.<br />
<br />
The course is the usual out and back along the valley road starting and finishing at the Sticklebarn pub. It’s not the greatest of runs for me, terrible actually. I was supposed to be taking it steady but not that steady. My time of over 44 minutes is two minutes slower than on this course in April but depressingly also slightly slower than two years ago when I was injured and ‘allowed’ to take to easy. I’m a massive four minutes off what I did in 2008, when I was a youngster obviously but we won’t talk about that. Good job half marathons are where it’s now at. I hope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ETElyCqlg9AAM_H9XmlbWqJhrxhOWMVVvUFxMl_jBYHaGhWHEH3Sf7YiPKB_LkqIyCnELBi0eBlqIUfVmLIC-EXHTSK-gsEuJ-Ay7bL0bmF9RVPfLbtxDx48BbNASI1ueSxTIf7pmQG/s1600/DSC01994+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_ETElyCqlg9AAM_H9XmlbWqJhrxhOWMVVvUFxMl_jBYHaGhWHEH3Sf7YiPKB_LkqIyCnELBi0eBlqIUfVmLIC-EXHTSK-gsEuJ-Ay7bL0bmF9RVPfLbtxDx48BbNASI1ueSxTIf7pmQG/s320/DSC01994+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Every finisher gets a Christmas pudding, this year from Mathew Walker which is a big step up from the usual Asda/Tesco ones. It’s still a bit odd though, us coming up to Cumbria to collect a pudding made in Derbyshire, near from whence we came. I’m sure they could source some Cumbrian ones if they really wanted to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuvpkjqmElmpZ8-Hf2iTk6dGDCww59mHAh1R3yU7IsddWNRlqg5WjrgzUSn98I0C69vf4VpeBKTz4YfYR3hUvpih1jDWOX1uu5JPjO_OKa_qmyRYzAxefqZbXMYWO3oG3UXchu4cOwuVp/s1600/DSC01992+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuvpkjqmElmpZ8-Hf2iTk6dGDCww59mHAh1R3yU7IsddWNRlqg5WjrgzUSn98I0C69vf4VpeBKTz4YfYR3hUvpih1jDWOX1uu5JPjO_OKa_qmyRYzAxefqZbXMYWO3oG3UXchu4cOwuVp/s320/DSC01992+%2528Large%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
L is slower too but at least she’s got the excuse of coughing and spluttering her way around.<br />
<br />
L Time: 01:06:06<br />
<br />
Races: 42<br />
Miles: 312.1<br />
T-shirts: 23<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 14<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 1<br />
Christmas Puddings: 1FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-63465015855615429582011-12-04T00:00:00.000+00:002011-12-08T13:57:46.761+00:00Nene Valley 10L is panicking that she might struggle to clock up her 500 miles. There’s no chance of that, I’ve already ordered the commemorative t-shirts. It does mean though that we’ve got a pretty tough schedule between now and May, including a trip to Peterborough today. We go to all the best places, oh yes.<br />
<br />
Today’s race is the Nene Valley 10 Miler, which sounds nice but, having been lured down to the area recently for the not-by-the-riverside Riverside Half, probably isn’t and there’s no t-shirt. <br />
<br />
I’m here because anything has got be better than the Edwinstowe Christmas 10k again, off road and all for another red t-shirt with Christmas trees on it. It’s such a minefield picking a race at this time of year, they nearly all have ‘Reindeer’ or ‘Santa’ in the title and can often involve fancy dress. All to be avoided, I think. <br />
<br />
So here we are trying to find the Rugby Club somewhere round the back of Sainsbury’s, before queuing for the temporary toilets and then finally milling about on the road outside Aldi looking for the start line. I tell you, Mo Farrah doesn’t know he’s born. It’s back there we’re told. Back up, back up, back up... then suddenly, with no evidence of a starting gun, horn, whistle or even a cry of ‘ready, steady, go’ we’re off, I think. I never did find out where the start line was. <br />
<br />
It’s a bit of a dull one, around the local housing estates with a short stretch through a wood, which is presumably where the local muggings take place after dark. <br />
<br />
The first few miles are livened up with a game of dodge the post. How it works is the chap in front of you suddenly yells ‘POST’ at the top of his voice and dodges violently to one side, causing you to hurdle the two foot high metal post that you are now hurtling towards. You then yell ‘POST’ yourself or sometimes perhaps ‘****ING POST’ as you pass the problem elegantly on to the next man. Great fun.<br />
<br />
A few miles in, with everyone now more spread out, a broken leg starts to become less of a concern and I begin to concentrate on the race itself. Well, on the ponytail in front of me, which had the nerve to overtake but that I now have no intention of letting get away from me.<br />
<br />
The course has PB potential, there's a few twisty bits but it's pretty flat apart from the underpass, oh and the bridge. It’s also devoid of all scenery but just in case you did miss something you get chance to do it all again with a second lap. The view though is no better second time around but by then I was focusing purely on getting a PB rather than debating the architectural merits of modern housing estates with the people around me.<br />
<br />
Talking of which, I was just thinking what hairy legs the owner of the ponytail in front of me had when I realised that, although I was still following a white and blue running vest, it’s owner has suddenly turned into an grey haired chap. How did that happen? I really have not been concentrating enough. Still, it makes no odds; I can’t let him beat me either.<br />
<br />
There’s a thimbleful of water on offer at halfway but in plastic cups, so I have to ease up to drink it. Then having been revived, a little, I go past the grey haired chap and tag on to the back of four other guys who I reckon are going at about the right pace to pull me round to the finish but they part, let me through and then fall behind me. That wasn’t supposed to happen either. This is going far too well, after doing all three of my previous ten milers in 1:13 perhaps I could possibly get a 1:12 this time?<br />
<br />
I continue to pass people all the way around the second lap. That is until last 20 yards. Where did they all come from?<br />
<br />
1:12:56 I reckon or maybe 1:12:57... Job done and a negative split, not done many of them. The official results say 1:12:59... They’re having me on but it still counts as sub 1:13, just. So I must have got my training (ha ha) and my pre-race routine (thanks L) right.<br />
<br />
The goodie bag turns out to be just that, a bag, an empty one or you could have a drinks bottle. So I go for that, you can never have too many drinks bottles... or bags for that matter.<br />
<br />
L Time: 01:37:56<br />
<br />
Races: 41<br />
Miles: 305.9<br />
T-shirts: 23<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 14<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Bags: 1<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 1<br />FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4856546288101219238.post-46661558891397577702011-11-20T00:00:00.000+00:002011-11-23T14:08:49.135+00:00St Neots Riverside Half MarathonIt wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was supposed to be stood on the sidelines, a bacon roll in one hand and a coffee in the other, watching everyone else run the St Neots Riverside Half Marathon. I have however discovered I have much less self control that I thought which has caused me to buy a race number off someone who has wimped out of competing today, I mean was unable to attend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EgQrw4bSaNhxSrE69EHJoCkX0wIgFJL2k7CjVX-vpy3e3DqZs1rIW0CFSk-GTeDMOE_zkBOGHvXY8PcPPsXZ92EJeTXRTVFt_Qpq0l0xQnveHy8pbswYCAN-l-Pvt-CzrTNlfCkMmK4V/s1600/St+Neots+club_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="61" width="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EgQrw4bSaNhxSrE69EHJoCkX0wIgFJL2k7CjVX-vpy3e3DqZs1rIW0CFSk-GTeDMOE_zkBOGHvXY8PcPPsXZ92EJeTXRTVFt_Qpq0l0xQnveHy8pbswYCAN-l-Pvt-CzrTNlfCkMmK4V/s320/St+Neots+club_logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
So we drive an hour and a half down the A1 to discover that, to my untrained eye at least, the race isn’t actually in St Neots and isn’t down the riverside. We appear to actually be in Eynesbury which is next door to St Neots, so perhaps close enough. The river though is not in evidence anywhere. No matter it’s supposed to be a scenic run anyway, river or not. Well it may have been a scenic route but it’s difficult to tell as everything is under a very heavy mist for most of the day. Still I’m sure it was very nice.<br />
<br />
It’s also quiet cold. We leave Nottingham at a barmy 6 degrees but as we head south the temperature actually dips into the negative on occasion. Neither of us has brought any cold weather kit with us, long sleeves etc. I haven’t even got my running gloves and make do with a fleece pair I had in the car.<br />
<br />
The 1200 places sold out long ago but despite operating a transfer window system for those who bottled it; there are still only 950 on the start line. What is it with competitors? Nice warm bed too big a pull was it? Hmmm.<br />
<br />
Even with 950 it’s still a bit congested in the first few miles on the narrow roads around here and I tread on a few toes. We also cause chaos with the local traffic and annoy dozens of car drivers. I’m not sure how they got away with that but I’m all for a bit of traffic annoyance. <br />
<br />
The reason for the congestion is maybe because I’m directly behind the 1:45 pacers, along with about 200 other people. What we need is a nice big hill to drop say 190 of them off the back but aside from one cheeky short incline through one of the villages it’s a relatively flat course. I could actually quite fancy a gentle 1:45 today and being wedged in with them at least stops me setting off at a suicidal pace. This pace though, 7:25 for mile one and 7:37 for mile two, isn’t exactly 1:45 pace, they should be doing 8:00s.<br />
<br />
Overall it’s a very well organised race and an honourable mention goes to the marshals, of whom there were many and all were very encouraging, if occasionally in a ‘I’m glad it’s not me running this’ sort of way. The drinks stations (four of them) all had bottled water, which is much better than cups and they even had jelly babies. Although I had to decline because I’m trying to give them up as I can’t breathe and chew at the same time. Plus the girl who was handing them out them had a bit of a dispense problem and most of them were ending up on the floor. She needs to work on that. The only thing missing for a perfect race was the training. My training that is e.g. the lack of it.<br />
<br />
So loosely enjoyable and the flat (apparently slightly downhill) last three miles meant that even I had a fast-ish finish as I tried to keep ahead of those 1:45 pacers.<br />
<br />
Race HQ was at the local leisure centre, yet the start was amongst a housing estate and the finish at a nearby school. It was actually quite a long way back to the HQ, well it is if you’re crawling there. It takes me so long to get there that my name is already up on the results when I arrive. The queues for the massages are already quite long and the masseurs don’t look that gentle either, or attractive, so I head back to the car to get the boys.<br />
<br />
L finishes before I get back to the finish, ahead of schedule again. I wish she’d slow down; she’ll be overtaking me soon if she keeps this up. She’s just outside her season’s best which she did at Birmingham last month.<br />
<br />
The T-shirts are long sleeve, of the technical variety and predominately red but they’re not too bad. They have a bit of a supply error though and L doesn’t get the small size she ordered, or even a medium for that matter.<br />
<br />
L Time: 02:12:53<br />
<br />
Races: 40<br />
Miles: 295.9<br />
T-shirts: 23<br />
T-shirts/Nighties: 1<br />
Medals: 14<br />
Bags Of Crisps: 4<br />
Chocolate Bars: 5<br />
Toothpaste: 3<br />
Redbush: 3<br />
Glow Sticks: 1<br />
Mugs: 1<br />
Plates: 1<br />
Paperweights: 1<br />
Bandanas: 1<br />
Drinks Bottles: 1<br />
Sticks Of Rock: 1<br />
Rosettes: 1<br />
Dog Biscuits: 1<br />FitForNothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01183254825148125915noreply@blogger.com0